SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Genoa scraped a home point with Torino and were saved by the woodwork, leaving Gigi Del Neri hanging by a thread.

This was a huge relegation dogfight, as Toro were just two points ahead of second-from-bottom Genoa. Mario Sampirisi and JurajKucka sat out bans for the home side, joining the injured CesareBovo, DamianoFerronetti and Cristobal Jorquera. Gigi Del Neri was at the Last Chance Saloon and revamped for a 3-4-3 system. The Granata began life without Angelo Ogbonna, who underwent hernia surgery this week.

Torino lost Mario Alberto Santana almost immediately to an injury, making way for Alessandro Sgrigna, moving ValterBirsa to the left.

Jean-Francois Gillet was alert to stop Rodriguez scoring an own goal, then the goalkeeper had his palms stung by a fierce Ciro Immobile volley from close range.

However, it was Torino who took the lead at Marassi when Birsa crossed from the left for Rolando Bianchi, who was allowed a free header on the turn between two defenders from six yards.

Marco Rossi scored for Genoa straight after the restart, but he was offside as Immobile’s shot was palmed into his path.

Alessandro Sgrigna was unlucky not to put Torino in front again with nine minutes left on the clock, as his swerving shot off the outside of his boot cracked against the crossbar with Sebastien Frey well beaten.

A Giuseppe Vives cushioned header also whistled inches wide of the far post from AlessioCerci’s cross.